Grow Lamps

[plot51A]

Am thinking of getting one/some. For use on my windowsill - think I could sow earlier and get better results. Something like the GT Sun Blaster shown here

http://www.jungleseeds.co.uk/HardwareOrders/index1.html

Anybody got any comments/feedback please before I lash out my cash?

Thanks!

Anne

[plot51A]

[w00dy]

Ive just bought an LED Lightboard, they are a little more expensive but supposedly only use about 10-20% of the power a florescent bulb does, also very little heat ( could be seen as good or bad ), i bought a 225 bulb version for £35 delivered from ebay, its very bright indeed, not used it yet but im optomistic.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310179848547&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

hope this helps

w00dy

[tonybloke]

what are you going to grow? is it worth the out-lay in equipment and fuel? And, when you've got them started early, do you have a heated greenhouse to move them into, as they won't be able to survive outside 'til probably may / june.
The spirit of allotment growing has usually been one of frugality, not loads of 'flash' equipment.

;)

[lillian]

I quite fancy a indoor grow light garden, but can't decide whether it's worth it or not. http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/pages/product/product.asp?prod=GRE-518&emailcode=ECODE278&utm_source=ECODE278&utm_medium=email

[Tee Gee]

there's always plenty of frustrated gardeners wandering around in the winter months twiddling their thumbs because their allotment, vegetable patch and kitchen garden growing activities have been curtailed by low light levels

Wow! I didn't think I would see advice like this from a supplier!

and as Tony said; is it worth the out-lay in equipment and fuel? And, when you've got them started early, do you have a heated greenhouse to move them into

A very good question indeed!

What I was always taught regarding heat & light was;

If it is going to cost more to heat and light your greenhouse than the cost of replacing the stuff you want to save........let them die and replace them in spring!

So basically there is no definitive answer to these queries its upto to the individual what they do in the end.

I find sowing later covers both the light and storage issue as a rule!

I think all these seed merchants that are offering free products when you make an order, should give everyone a packetful of 'patience'  8) ;)

This is as good a set up as you should need;



THe light is just an ordinary strip light fitted with a timer.

I don't use the propagator on the right now, due to it packing in so I just use my hotbed with plastic tray covers over my seed trays.

The heater (although I have just got a new one of these too) only comes on to supplement the heat if temperatures get a bit low.

I often harp on about price and that is simply because when I started gardening it was to give me a hobby that helped me save on the house keeping.

Old habits die hard and I tend to grow stuff 'that is value for money' if it isn't I don't grow it!

So my advice is; if you are sure that these products are just not a fad,  and you can afford them, then buy them but I would have to say they are certaily not essential!

Looking  at the big picture and the long term is my advice  to you ,and any other newbie faced with similar issues!

There endeth the lesson  ::) I'll get off my soapbox now! sorry for ranting on  ;)

[plot51A]

Many thanks for the replies, food for further thought. I try to be aware of reusing, value for money etc. etc. but if I actually costed everything out, including my time, I probably wouldn't grow anything if money was the only consideration, especially living in an area with excellent farm shops and lots of local produce at low prices  :)

I especially like growing tomatoes, and I do find that growing them on a windowsill (my only option at present) does tend to produce leggy plants and of course they lean towards the light even when planting relatively late. I've read recently on this forum that you shouldn't turn them round because of the extra energy expended by the plant. I  have tried in the past covering a box with foil to produce a sort of light box and will have to try that again. But I think a source of overhead light might be useful.

However, shall probably find myself in the middle of the growing season and still trying to make a decision..............

[Duke Ellington]

Plot 51A

Find a method that works for you. If you can afford a grow lamp buy one.  Its your money your time and your business. I really dont think there is anything wrong in choosing how you spend your own money.

Duke :)